Frequent urination is normal as you get older. However, for the elderly, this condition can be a problem when it interferes with daily activities.
Although urinary incontinence (inability to hold urine) can be triggered by various causes and is considered harmless, this condition can often interfere with daily activities. The good news is that there are a number of ways to deal with frequent urination in elderly people that can be done so that this condition does not interfere with their activities.
Causes of Frequent Urination in Elderly People
Before discussing how to deal with it, it is important to understand some of the common causes of frequent urination in elderly people.
- Urinary incontinence: This condition can be caused by various factors, such as weak pelvic muscles, urinary tract infections, diabetes, and side effects of medications.
- Overactive bladder: This condition causes the bladder to contract more frequently than usual, resulting in a constant need to urinate.
- Urinary tract obstruction: A blockage in the urinary tract, such as from kidney stones or an enlarged prostate, can impede the flow of urine and cause frequent urination.
- Caffeine and alcohol consumption: Caffeine and alcohol have a diuretic effect, which can increase urine production and the frequency of urination.
Although urinary incontinence can be triggered by various causes and is considered harmless, this condition can often interfere with your daily activities.
How to Deal with Frequent Urination in Elderly People
So, how do you deal with elderly people who urinate frequently? Quoted from baliroyalhospital.co.id, here are 5 ways you can do this.
1. Do pelvic muscle exercises.
Pelvic muscle exercises or Kegel exercises can help strengthen the muscles that support the bladder, thereby helping you hold urine in the bladder and avoid leaks.
Here's how to do Kegel exercises:
- Tighten your pelvic muscles as if you were holding in urination.
- Hold for 5 seconds, then release for 10 seconds.
- Repeat 10 times; do 3 sets every day.
2. Manage urination time.
Creating a urination schedule can help you control your bladder and reduce the frequency of urination.
Here are the tips:
- Time yourself to urinate every 2-3 hours, even if you don't feel like urinating.
- Avoid drinking lots of water 2–3 hours before bed.
- Going to the toilet after sex and coughing.
3. Relax
Stress can make urinary incontinence worse. Therefore, it is important to relax to help control the urge to urinate.
Here are some relaxation techniques you can try:
- Deep breathing technique: Take a deep breath and exhale slowly.
- Meditation: Sit quietly and focus your mind on your breath.
- Yoga: Some yoga poses can help strengthen the pelvic muscles and promote relaxation.
4. Pay attention to lifestyle
Lifestyle changes can help reduce urinary frequency and improve bladder control.
Here are some tips:
- Reduce consumption of caffeine and alcohol because they can increase urine production.
- Stop smoking, as it can weaken the pelvic muscles.
- Maintain an ideal body weight because obesity can put pressure on the bladder.
- Eat foods rich in fiber, as this can help improve digestion and reduce constipation, which can worsen urinary incontinence.
5. Using Adult Diapers
If the methods above don't help, you can use adult diapers to help you stay dry and comfortable.
Parental adult diapers can be the right choice to treat urinary incontinence in the elderly. This diaper has several advantages, including:
- 3D surface that accelerates fluid absorption and effectively reduces friction with the skin.
- 900-ml capacity, which can absorb 6x faster.
- The 3-dimensional boat-shaped design effectively prevents leaks at the back.
Urinary incontinence in the elderly can be treated in various ways. Take the steps above to help you control your bladder and improve your quality of life.
If you have questions or concerns, do not hesitate to consult a doctor.
